"Over the weekend, Putin and Donald Trump seem to have come to public agreement that, if elected in November, Trump would help Putin pursue Greater Russia. In his session with Tucker Carlson, after all, Putin corrected the propagandist, informing him that, no, he didn't invade Ukraine because of concerns about NATO expansion, but because he considers Ukraine - and much of Eastern Europe - part of Greater Russia. He subjected Tucker to a half hour lesson in his, Putin's, mythology about Russia."
"Tucker Carlson:Mr. President, thank you. On February 24, 2022, you addressed your country in your nationwide address when the conflict in Ukraine started and you said that you were acting because you had come to the conclusion that the United States through NATO might initiate a quote, "surprise attack on our country". And to American ears that sounds paranoid. Tell us why you believe the United States might strike Russia out of the blue. How did you conclude that? Vladimir Putin:The point is not that the United States was going to launch a surprise strike on Russia, I didn't say so. Are we having a talk show or serious conversation? Tucker Carlson:That was a good quote. Thank you, it's formidably, serious! Vladimir Putin: Your education background is in history, as far as I understand, right? Tucker Carlson: Yes. Vladimir Putin: Then I will allow myself - just 30 seconds or one minute - to give a little historical background, if you don't mind. Tucker Carlson: Please. Vladimir Putin: Look how did our relations with Ukraine begin, where does Ukraine come from."
Putin presented a historical argument claiming Ukraine and much of Eastern Europe are part of Greater Russia and framed Russian actions accordingly. He rejected the notion that the invasion was primarily driven by fear of a NATO surprise attack. Putin delivered a lengthy historical briefing to justify Russian claims and to explain the origins of relations with Ukraine. Tucker Carlson pressed why Putin had not acted earlier despite Russia's nuclear advantage. The exchange suggested public alignment with Trump, who appeared willing to assist Putin's pursuit of territorial aims if elected.
Read at Emptywheel
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